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Microbicides trials in fight against Aids
Foster Dongozi, The Standard (Zimbabwe)
February 19, 2006

http://www.thestandard.co.zw/read.php?path=./news/2006/February/Sunday19/&st_id=875

MASVINGO - Trials are being conducted on the use of microbicides in the fight against the spread of HIV and Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Three organisations, Women AIDS Support Network, Women Action Group and Musasa Project have been appointed as national trainers and to galvanise other AIDS organisations in leading lobbying and advocacy programmes for the provision of microbicides.

The trials are being conducted under a programme supervised by the University of Zimbabwe in partnership with the US based University of California and San Francisco.

Microbicides are substances in the form of gels or creams that are inserted in the vagina before sex.

They prevent the transmission of HIV and STIs, according to researchers.

Activists involved in the fight against HIV and Aids said the advantage with microbicides was that they empowered women in that their use was controlled by women.

The executive director of WASN, Mary Sandasi, said: "Microbicides are a revolutionary introduction in the fight against HIV and Aids in that they empower women by reducing their vulnerability to infections of HIV and STIs. In many instances women are not able to negotiate for safe sex in marriages or relationships. The introduction of microbicides empowers them to protect themselves from infection."

Angeline Chiwetani, the National Co-ordinator of Network of Zimbabwe Positive Women (NZPW), said the microbicides represented a revolutionary breakthrough in the fight against HIV.

"One of the reasons why the fight against HIV and Aids has not been effective is that in most cases is that if women insist on protection like using male or female condoms, they are accused of having loose morals. This resulted in many women submitting themselves to unprotected sex, resulting in many exposing themselves or their partners to HIV infection. The advantage with microbicides is that women in abusive relationships can protect themselves and their partners from infection. In addition, for couples living with HIV, the advantage is that microbicides will ensure that there is no re-infection."

A Bulawayo based AIDS organisation, Mission to Live Trust, says it has also thrown its weight behind the project and has already started awareness programmes in the city.

Mandlenkosi Sibanda, the organisation's executive director said: "The use of microbicides is a good concept that will enable women to make more informed decisions about their sexuality. The idea needs the backing of both men and women to ensure that its use is accepted by all."

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